Autoblog

GM may redesign Chevy Volt battery

Zach Bowman — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 15:28:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Sedan, Safety, Technology, Chevrolet, Electric

Automotive News reports General Motors may redesign the battery pack found in the Chevrolet Volt in response to an investigation by federal authorities. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration discovered that in certain crash situations in which the Volt suffered a side impact, the battery pack could catch fire after sitting for several days. In response, GM has offered around 5,500 Volt customers a loaner vehicle until a solution to the issue can be determined. Now, CEO Dan Akerson has said that the battery pack may receive a redesign.

In addition, GM won't sell the Volt's European corporate cousin, the Opel Ampera, until the issue can be resolved. Akerson reiterated that the Volt is a safe car, pointing to the vehicle's excellent crash test ratings. Those buyers who have brought the Volt home have been plenty satisfied with the vehicle as well, with Consumer Reports reporting 93 percent of Volt owners would purchase the vehicle again.

GM may redesign Chevy Volt battery originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 01 Dec 2011 15:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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NHTSA investigating 2.7 million GM vehicles over engine fires

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 17:31:00 EST

Filed under: Recalls, Safety, Chevrolet, GMC, Hummer

Way back in February, the NHTSA began investigating certain full-size trucks and SUVs from General Motors for the possibility of their engines spontaneously combusting, even when the ignition key is in the 'off' position. At that time, the investigation covered some 423,000 vehicles, and GM seemed pretty confident that the issue would not be widespread. Yeah, it appears as if the General was a little off in that assessment. The engine fire issue may now affect about 2.7 million vehicles, including all of the latest Chevrolet, GMC and HUMMER full-size models.

A preliminary examination of the electric systems throughout these vehicles is being conducted at this time. Depending on the results of the NHTSA's 'Engineering Analysis', a recall could follow. So far, there exists 41 reported cases of non-crash-related underhood fires, with 16 of those supposedly with the ignition turned off. Check after the jump for a complete list of all the possibly affected vehicles.

[Source: Consumer Affairs]

Continue reading NHTSA investigating 2.7 million GM vehicles over engine fires

NHTSA investigating 2.7 million GM vehicles over engine fires originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 18 Jun 2008 17:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VW Passat being investigated for fires

Dan Roth — Thu, 17 May 2007 16:40:00 EST

Filed under: Recalls, Safety, Volkswagen

Boy, that's one hot car, that Passat. But is it so hot, in fact, that it self-immolates? The NHTSA seems to think that the ignition coil packs are prone to faults that can lead to fires underhood, in the instrument panel, or underneath the vehicle. Passats from 2000 to 2003 are currently under investigation by the NHTSA after 19 reports of spontaneous Teutonic combustion (hey!). Lucky owners who opted for the frugal TDI or spendy W8 can motor along blissfully, while gas-fueled four and six-pot drivers should start parking at the curb. No recall has been issued, but preliminary investigations such as this often end with the manufacturer issuing a recall. If it comes to that, VW's looking at fixing about 350,000 cars.

[Source: Bloomberg via Winding Road]

VW Passat being investigated for fires originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 May 2007 16:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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